Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 2432: An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer

HD 245 creates a state-wide pancreatic cancer initiative administered by the Department of Public Health. It establishes a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council (including patient advocates and representatives from cancer networks) to develop hospital certification standards, identify underserved areas for improved care access, create a multi-provider consortium for best practices, and develop a standard tissue consent form for research. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study on pancreatic cancer prevalence and patient needs, plus a public education program about genetic risks and symptoms. Additionally, it requires the insurance commissioner to survey genetic testing coverage and the health center to update pancreatic cancer screening benefit reviews by 2026. This bill directly affects pancreatic cancer patients, healthcare providers, and the state's public health infrastructure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directly targets reducing pancreatic cancer deaths through public health initiatives, advancing healthcare outcomes without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 14, 2025

SD 2964: An Act relative to safer treatment of acupuncture

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to the safer treatment of acupuncture. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes safety standards for acupuncture treatment under Public Health, directly enhancing patient safety in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 4453: An Act to establish an exemption for personal vehicle value from the MassHealth asset limit

By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to establish an exemption for personal vehicle values from the MassHealth asset limits. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts vehicle value from MassHealth asset limits, expanding Medicaid eligibility and improving access to healthcare coverage.90% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 1289: An Act requiring reimbursement for the costs of providing competent interpreter services

By Representative Plouffe of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1289) of Bridget Plouffe relative to the reimbursement of interpreter services incurred by certain hospitals. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequiring reimbursement for interpreter services in hospitals improves access for non-English speaking patients, directly advancing healthcare access and equity.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1511: An Act regulating surgical assistants

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1511) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. relative to regulating surgical assistants. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulating surgical assistants under Public Health strengthens healthcare service standards and professional oversight, aligning with support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1535: An Act relative to safe patient handling and mobility in certain health facilities

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1535) of Paul R. Feeney, Susannah M. Whipps, Thomas M. Stanley, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure safe patient handling and mobility in certain health facilities through the use of mechanical lifting devices. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mechanical lifting devices in health facilities to prevent patient/staff injuries, directly enhancing safety standards in healthcare delivery.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 679: An Act relative to mental health providers

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 679) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to mental health providers. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly addresses mental health providers, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic with no restrictive language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 11, 2025

S 1422: An Act relative to Narcan availability in schools

SD 1078 requires all public school districts in Massachusetts to establish a naloxone (Narcan) overdose prevention program. Specifically, it mandates that every school nurse must be trained in naloxone assistance and have naloxone available in the nurse's office. The bill also directs schools to offer optional, extracurricular training on administering naloxone nasal spray to secondary students, delivered by qualified individuals following nationally recognized standards. This law directly affects school nurses, administrators, and secondary students in public schools across the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates Narcan availability in schools to address opioid overdoses, directly supporting public health and substance use treatment services under mental health subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 11, 2025

S 1392: Resolve providing for a study and recommendations by a special commission relative to access to behavioral health services for children and families in the commonwealth

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 1392) of Julian Cyr and Joanne M. Comerford that provisions be made for a special commission to study available behavioral health services and to make recommendations for improving access to behavioral health services for children and families in the commonwealth. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates commission to study and improve access to behavioral health services, directly supporting mental health access as a healthcare component.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 11, 2025

S 1384: An Act relative to student mental health

This bill requires public schools (grades 6-12) and colleges/universities to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact information on all new or replacement student ID cards. It directly affects schools and institutions issuing student IDs by mandating the inclusion of the 988 phone and text number. The requirement applies to IDs issued on or after July 1, 2025, with existing non-compliant cards allowed to be used until depleted. The bill does not change funding or create new programs, solely adding crisis resource information to existing student identification.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAddresses student mental health, a critical component of educational access and student well-being, enhancing school support services within K-12 context.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly addresses student mental health services under healthcare topics, aligning with support indicators for strengthening mental health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track